Scores of retired police officers on Monday staged a peaceful protest at the main gate of the National Assembly in Abuja, demanding their removal from the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), which they described as exploitative and unjust.
The protest, which started at the Louis Edet Force Headquarters, saw the retirees march under heavy rain to the National Assembly complex, chanting solidarity songs and holding placards with inscriptions such as “35 Years of Service, 3 Million Naira Retirement? Shame!”, “We Want Police Pension Board Now!”, and “Remove Police from CPS!”
The protest was reportedly sparked by a recent viral video of a retired Superintendent of Police who lamented receiving only ₦3 million as a retirement benefit after 35 years of service.
The video reignited long-standing grievances among police retirees, who say the pension system has shortchanged them.
Speaking during the protest, a retired Chief Superintendent of Police, CSP Manir Lawal (retd.), described the scheme as a betrayal of their service and sacrifices to the nation.
“We are here to ask the government to remove us from the CPS. The pension scheme is exploitative and unjust,” Lawal told journalists.
“I am 67 years old. Many of us here are in our 60s and 70s. We have served this country faithfully and deserve to retire in dignity. This scheme has impoverished us. It is our right to demand better.”
The protest was also joined by human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, who has been vocal about police welfare and pension reforms.
“What the Nigerian government has done to police retirees is disgraceful. After risking their lives for decades, they are left with crumbs. This is not just about pensions — it’s about justice and respect,” Sowore said.
The protesters demanded the immediate passage of legislation that would establish a Police Pension Board, a body they say will cater specifically to the peculiar needs and risks associated with policing, similar to what is obtainable for the military and intelligence agencies.
Another protester, ASP Patricia Ojo (retd), spoke emotionally about her experience:
“After 33 years of service, my total entitlement was less than ₦2.5 million. How does the government expect us to survive on that? I have children, medical bills, and no job. The CPS has failed us.”
Despite the rainfall, the elderly demonstrators remained at the protest ground for hours, insisting they would not leave until they received a formal audience from the leadership of the National Assembly.
Security operatives were on standby at the National Assembly gate to ensure that the protest remained peaceful and to prevent any security breaches.
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